POSTED UNDER CO2 Laser REVIEWS
55 Year Old Male, Treatment for Long-standing Rhinophyma by CO2 Laser - London, UK
ORIGINAL POST
Saw a Channel 4 documentary "Embarrassing Bodies"...
Ra2000March 18, 2016
WORTH IT$1,350
Saw a Channel 4 documentary "Embarrassing Bodies" on rhinophyma. At the time I didn't realise thre was a solution to it and thought I just had to suffer it, but the results shown were transformational. GP referred me to consultant plastic surgeon but no NHS funding available so looked for private treatment. Research led me to Dr Frank Conroy whom I felt reassured with due to his experience in this very area. The NHS consultant plastic surgeon also spoke highly of him and CO2 laser treatment as the very best treatment around for rhinophyma. Pros: treatment only one hour, and little blood loss as the laser cauterizes as it goes. Cons : Initial injection was the most painful part, after that only mild discomfort, 2-3 weeks with a black scab on nose. Outcome : highly pleased so far! Will post photos once the scab comes off.
Ra2000's provider
Replies (3)
April 1, 2017
Thank you for sharing your story! Your results are fantastic - you must be very happy.
UPDATED FROM Ra2000
2 months post
Before, during and after photos
Ra2000May 10, 2016
I had my CO2 laser treatment on March 16th and the last part of my scab finally off on April 1st.
Before treatment my nose was large, red and lumpy and when the last part of my scab fell off I could see it was the right size and shape - no more lumps and was only slightly redder than the rest of my face.
For the next week to 10 days I became concerned as 5 large yellow pock marks appeared on the tip of my nose and my nose got redder but by day 14 my nose started to settle down and the pock marks and colour reduced and took on much the same colour as the rest of my face.
Had a follow-up consultation with Mr Conroy on May 4th who explained all that had happened was normal.
I am now so glad I had this treatment; now when I walk down a street I don't get any glances or looks and in myself I am now who I want to be.
Anyone out there with this condition - don't continue to suffer - I had this for some 20 years not realising there is a treatment and my only regret is that I did not have this treated earlier.
Replies (14)
May 11, 2016
What amazing results! I do not have this condition however, I do suffer with rosacea, which has deformed my nose (enlarged bulbous at the end of nose, large pores, not to mention continued breakouts), so a great deal of care is involved in keeping it at bay. When something so extreme like this happens to you, it can paralyze you from wanting to be seen out in public, etc. Thank you for sharing your before/after photo's, I can truly understand the emotional aspects of what you must have endured with your condition.
May 11, 2016
Thank you for your kind comments - yes, it is the acute self-consciousness that is the most debilitating. My nose was very red with rosacea and the CO2 has toned it down to match the general complexion of my face so could be worth exploring - don't suffer as I did for years without giving yourself a chance to explore treatment options - my surgeon was great - no pressure, insisted on 14 day cooling off period and just being honest with me. With blessings and best wishes to you.
May 11, 2016
That is why this forum is so good. No judgement from any of us that want to make a positive difference to ourselves afterall, we have to take care of ourselves the best way we know how and by learning from what you have encountered and endured, helps me in the long run. Again, thank you so very much for sharing this (continued) journey.
May 15, 2016
Wow, what a drastic improvement. Thank you so much for sharing your photos. Your review will be so very helpful for people researching a solution.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience — I actually didn't know what Rhinophyma was, I looked it up, is this condition painful? Will you have to have multiple treastments?
Would you mind sharing a before photo as well? And just so you know the community finds all photos helpful, including the different stages of progress, so feel free to share scabs and all. ☺
Sorry about my delay in replying - the answer is No, it's not painful physically - only internally with all the looks, glances , comments and laughter. That's the worst part together with being judged for being a heavy drinker so it is career limiting.
Potentially, this is all the treatment required, but Mr Conroy did advise me that because we don't know what causes it, it may reappear again later. I don't think he has had that happen so far but is just giving an honest outlook.
I have now uploaded the before, during and after photos which I hope will be of interest.